Quality education is often your passport to an enriching and better future. However, when planning to study abroad, you also need a student visa. Therefore, you must excel in the visa interview, and if you have availed of an education loan, it becomes extremely important to crack it.
I N T E R V I E W – The importance of these 9 letters in the student visa process cannot be understated when it is about that all-important visa. The visa interview preparation would determine whether you get your student visa or not. You may be extremely hard-working, diligent, and smart, but one silly mistake can decrease the chances of studying abroad. Here are some student visa interview tips students should consider before scheduling their visa interview.
Key highlights:
- Dos During the Visa Interview Process
- Don’ts During the Visa Interview Process
- Frequently Asked Questions
Dos During the Visa Interview Process
Smile Reflects Confidence
There may be a lot of things going on in your mind. However, it is crucial to always keep a smiling face. Human beings make an impression by looking at the face. So, smile. Among the many student visa interview tips, one is not to fake a smile. Once the interview is complete, you will receive the visa if you clear it. So, be happy about it. Show it with a smile.
Upright Posture
Maintaining good posture is a way to convey confidence. When you sit straight, you seem well-prepared. Take a deep breath and maintain a good posture throughout your interview. Do not move your hands and legs much. It is an official meeting, so don’t get too comfortable or too stiff. Maintain a fine balance.
Professional Attire Matters
Dressing well is important. Would you, as a visa officer, want someone shabbily dressed to come to your country? The same logic applies here when you are sitting on the other side of the table. One of the vital student visa interview tips is to dress appropriately for the occasion. Select a dress that aligns with your image and accurately reflects your optimistic outlook as an aspiring student. Since you will be meeting with visa experts, please keep your demeanour professional. Please refrain from wearing flip-flops to the interview.
English Proficiency is a Prerequisite
You may be an expert in your mother tongue or Indian languages. However, if you plan to settle abroad, then speaking English is a primary requirement for any visa applicant. Don’t fake an accent that does not belong to you. Speak clearly and in an appropriate volume. Too loud or too soft is not good. Try to speak each word properly and resist the urge to talk casually. The interviewer is a visa expert and so deserves respect.
Eye Contact Is Crucial
Make eye contact with the interviewer you are interacting with. If there is more than one person, speak with each one of them by looking into their eyes. However, try not to force your look. Eye contact is often seen as a sign of honesty. When you are asked a question, respond by maintaining healthy eye contact.
Visa Documents
Maintain all your visa documents and originals in a file, and prepare a checklist for the visa application. Carry this file with you on the day of your interview and ensure it is with you as you step into the interview. It is a good idea to use sticky notes so that all your visa-related documents are properly catalogued. This enables you to show the appropriate visa documents whenever you are asked to. Additionally, if you have documentation related to your abroad education loan, we recommend bringing it as well.
Share Your Study Goals Clearly
This is not a rhetorical question. As a student aspiring to higher education in a foreign country with the help of an overseas study loan, it is essential to know your purpose properly. When the visa expert asks you ‘why do you wish to study here?’ and it will be asked, you should be able to answer logically. A good way to prepare the answer is to decide on valid and legitimate reasons beforehand. Know the facts and figures of the course and the university. This will help you give a meticulous answer.
Also Read: What Study Abroad Students Must Know About Visa Interview Questions
Don’ts During the Visa Interview Process
Using Filler Words
During visa interview preparation, you must remember that you must avoid fillers such as ‘Like’, ‘Ummmm’, or ‘I guess’ in a sentence when you are responding to visa interview questions. Pay close attention to the questions asked and respond with the answer only. Avoid sharing personal stories that may come across as unprofessional. Keep it short and simple. Do not ramble into a related life story or experience. Try to practice mock interviews before the actual interview.
Don’t be Nervous
We understand that the interview is important, but getting nervous or showing your anxiety during the visa interview questions is not recommended. It is okay to be a little nervous. However, shaking your leg incessantly, having sweaty palms, repeatedly drinking water, or looking lost will not be any help. Try to remain calm and confident while speaking and answering the visa interview questions.
Avoid Scripted Answers
During visa interview preparation, many interviewees mug up scripted lines. This is a common practice, but it is also highly risky. While it is good to create scripts and refer to some of the most frequently asked visa interview questions and answers, avoid memorising the lines. Spontaneity is an important aspect of a visa interview.
Torn Documents - A Strict No-No
Make sure the visa-related documents are presentable. Don’t use torn or crushed documents. No amount of reasoning and logic can help you if you present these key documents in horrible shape. The state of the documents reflects your seriousness and attitude about life. So, carry them neatly in a folder or file, and also keep some soft copies as a backup.
Be On Time
It is recommended to arrive at the visa interview location 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time. Familiarise yourself with the surroundings. Punctuality can help you win the interview.
Also Read: Tips to Clear Your Student Visa Interview
Frequently Asked Questions
How to prepare for a visa interview?
During the student visa process, it is crucial to review your application thoroughly to avoid any mistakes. Ensure all your documents are in place and carry the soft copies as well. Be prepared to answer some common questions, such as why you have chosen a specific course, university, and study destination.
How many rounds of interviews are there for the student visa?
Ideally, there will be one round of interviews. However, it will depend on several factors. For instance, if you don’t have the complete list of documents, you will be asked to obtain them.
What to expect in a student visa interview?
You will be asked questions to determine if you are genuinely interested in studying in your chosen country and have sufficient funds for the same. Also, digital fingerprint scans will be a part of the process. Be prepared to answer questions related to your academic & career goals, financial resources, and intention to return to your home country.
How long does the visa interview take?
It can take anywhere between 2 and 5 minutes. Although the interview will last for a few minutes, please note that the overall processing time can take several hours due to pre-interview formalities and waiting periods.
Is the visa interview difficult?
The difficulty level can vary on a case-to-case basis. However, if you have prepared well, the student visa process, including the interview, will be super easy.
Now that you know these dos and don’ts, you can easily clear your visa interview. With these student visa interview tips, you can confidently appear for your interview. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer student loans to help you achieve your academic aspirations. If you have any queries, please remember we are just a call away.
